Motivating Your Loved One to Do Physical Activity
Keeping a loved one with Alzheimer's disease motivated to exercise and do physical therapy can be a real challenge. After all, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that leads to loss of memory issues, mood swings, and multiple physical limitations.
However, exercise in seniors has proven to have tremendous benefits, including Increased circulation, improved mental states, reducing risks for heart disease and diabetes. It can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of falling.
Still, as the disease progresses it may be difficult to keep your loved one motivated to move. Here are some strategies you can use to encourage them:
Establish a Routine: People with Alzheimer's typically find comfort in a regular schedule and predictability. Make sure you make exercise and physical therapy a regular part of their daily routine, occurring at the same time if possible.
Simplify Instructions: Break down complex exercises into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Give your loved one a demonstration of how to perform the exercise. This can make it easier for them to understand and follow along.
Make Sure They are in a Safe Space: Free the exercise area of obstacles and other impediments that may cause an accident, so that your loved one feels more secure.
Persuade with Kindness: If your loved one resists, gently coax them to participate in physical activities. Use an encouraging tone, and reinforce the many benefits of exercise with phrases such as “This will make you feel so much better!”
Include Activities that Your Loved One Enjoys: If your loved one likes music, for example, focus on dance moves and rhythm exercises. If they like gardening, make that a focus of physical activities.
Use Visual Aids: Alzheimer's sufferers typically respond well to visual cues; if you can, use photos, diagrams, or videos to demonstrate a movement.
Pour on the Praise: No matter how they perform, praise your loved one’s efforts and achievements and reinforce how beneficial their activity is. This will give them a mental boost and motivate them to keep doing the activity.
Make it Social: If at all possible, have the activity include family members, friends, or others in their community. Being in a larger group adds pleasure to the activity, as well as providing motivation.
Be Aware of Your Loved One’s Limits: Keep in mind that Alzheimer’s will diminish your loved one’s abilities over time, and even from day to day, and so pushing them too far could lead to frustration or even injury..
Get Professional Help: A physical therapist experienced in working with Alzheimer's patients can provide appropriate exercises and strategies to keep your loved one engaged and safe.
Physical activity is an important factor in your loved one’s overall wellbeing. Keeping them moving will reap big benefits! For a start, here are some simple chair exercises to try.
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.
